6 Non-Toxic Menstrual Products for Hormone Health (and Better Periods)
Whether you're newly postpartum, have been a mom for awhile, are a teenager, or have never had kids, there's no better time to take a look at your period products to ensure they are non-toxic and won't interfere with your hormones.
It wasn't until I became a mom that I started researching what I'd been using and became aware of the toxins I had been putting into my body unknowingly up until that time. I knew I needed to figure out something better, for the sake of my hormones and my daughter's health.
In this post, I'm sharing 6 non-toxic menstrual products for hormone health and better periods. I'll be covering:
Why to Buy Non-Toxic Period Products
Non-Toxic Disposable Menstrual Options
Menstrual Cups and Discs - Reusable Options
Cloth Period Pads
Period Panties
Where to Buy Sustainable, Non-Toxic Period Products
How to Choose the Right Size Menstrual Cup or Disc
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Menstrual Products
While there used to be one or two menstrual cups to choose from there are now plenty of non-toxic, disposable or reusable options, so you're sure to be able to find one that works and is comfortable for you. And so we can give ourselves (and our daughters) the best opportunity for healthy hormones. For life.
Why Buy Non-Toxic Period Products?
When I was pregnant with my first child, a daughter, I became hyper-aware of all the toxic things in my house including what I was putting in and on my body. Although I considered myself to be pretty health-conscious, I was sadly ignorant of all the toxins I had been using in my body that could negatively impact not only my health, but my children's health. Here's what I learned...
Period products like tampons and disposable pads harbor a lot of very unnatural chemicals. Things like:
Bleach: highly toxic volatile substance. Should not use bleach at all (here are some bleach alternatives) much less insert it into a highly sensitive and absorptive part of your body.
Dioxins & Furans: byproducts of the bleaching process. Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Pesticides: found in non-organic cotton products. Cancer causing and endocrine-disruptor.
Fragrances: may contain chemicals linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and allergies.
Basically, many mainstream period products all contain toxins that interfere with normal endocrine (hormone) function (not to mention damage your other organs, especially the liver and kidneys). Since these products regularly go in and on your body...and in a very sensitive area, it's one of the first places to look if you're experiencing any troublesome hormone-related symptoms.
So if you're someone who has horrible cramps, PMS, irregular periods, fertility issues, acne, or other symptoms, it's a really simple place to start that can make a big impact on balanced hormones.
And if you don't have any hormone issues (yay!), it's a great way to ensure that you keep supporting that hormone health. I cringe to think of the products I used when I was a teenager without knowing any better. Thankfully, now that there's more awareness and much healthier options both online and in-stores, we can give our daughters a better start for menstrual health and balanced hormones.
Non-Toxic Disposable Menstrual Products
One of the simplest things to do to start transitioning to less toxic menstrual products is to look for tampons or pads made with organic cotton or hemp that are either unbleached (preferably) or have been bleached with chlorine-free bleach. If you prefer staying with disposable period products, which, let's face it, is super convenient if you are working, traveling, or are out and about, there are some promising options. To save money and waste, but you're not quite ready to deal with a cup or disc in public, a great option would be to buy some organic disposable products for the days when you're not at home, and also have reusable options like cups or discs for when you are home and it's not such a big deal to empty (see below).
Here are a couple of disposable menstrual products to check out, both of which can be found at local stores if you don't have time to wait for an online order:
Softdisc Menstrual Disc
This is a disposable menstrual disc that's hypoallergenic and made from a medical-grade polymer blend (BPA and phthalate-free). Has a bit of a learning curve as compared with tampons but many women say they are much more comfortable and less prone to leaks. Plus don't cause vaginal dryness. These only come in one size so if you try it and it doesn't work (it didn't work for me), you may need to ty a more customizable option like the reusable options listed below.
LOLA Pads
Made with 100% organic cotton. Fragrance, chlorine, and toxin free. These are at my local Walmart, so even if you need something in a pinch and don't have time to wait on shipping, you could probably find these locally.
Menstrual Cups & Discs (reusable)
If you were (or are) a tampon user, cups and discs are an excellent alternative without toxic chemicals and a much lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
One thing to note is that there is quite a difference in using a menstrual cup vs a menstrual disc. While a cup goes in sort of like a tampon, a disc has to be pushed up and back further so it gets behind your pubic bone and up over the cervix. It's a bit of a steeper learning curve so is suggested to give it a try on days when you have a lighter flow as it can leak more easily until you get the hang of inserting it correctly. Because discs sit higher, and are pushed in farther, they tend to be more comfortable and less likely to be felt at all once inserted. They can be a little harder to remove as you have to reach higher, but I've found a couple of options that have either a stem or finger hook to make that less of a problem.
Since everyone's body is shaped slightly differently and can change over time and with each childbirth, trying several types and brands may be necessary to find what works best and is most comfortable for you. Also, if you have a rectocele, cystocele, uterine, or other type of vaginal prolapse, it can affect insertion and comfort of different cups or discs. So it really does take some trial and error to find the best fit. Definitely wear a pad as a backup while you're trying out a new menstrual cup or disc to make sure you get it in its proper position to not leak.
Also note, there has been some concern as to whether a menstrual cup could make a prolapse worse as it creates a suction when it's in place. So if you pull the cup straight out without breaking the seal first, it could potentially pull on the cervix, thus exacerbating prolapse. However, if the seal is broken before removal (by pinching the base or sides of the cup together slightly), there shouldn't be a problem using a menstrual cup even if you have a prolapse of tissue laxity because by breaking the seal first, it won't cause a vacuuming effect as you remove the cup. Some even find that the cup helps relieve prolapse symptoms such as heaviness in the vagina as it does add some support and pressure internally, similar to a pessary. (discs do not create suction so this is a non-issue with them)
The great thing about these is if they are cleaned regularly and well taken care of (can be boiled to sterilize between use), they can last for 10 years or more. So as far as cost goes, there's no comparison in being able to reuse a cup or disc (with prices ranging from $30 - $45) for several years vs. having to keep buying menstrual products every few months.
All that being said, here are a few menstrual cups and discs to choose from...
MeLuna
The most customizable menstrual cup out there. Comes in several sizes, has a soft or firm options, plus has several stem/handle designs to choose from so you can get what would be most comfortable and user-friendly for you. They also have a "shorty" cup for women with lower cervixes. Made from medical grade Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) - Basically a flexible, non-leaching, non-toxic plastic. Interestingly, they have a nice article regarding silicone vs TPE safety which has me rethinking the use of silicone (also technically a plastic) internally.
Saalt Soft
This cup has a softer silicone which is great for sensitivity, bladder issues, or you just don't want to be able to feel it once inserted. Comes in two sizes and three colors.
They do also have a regular firmness cup which is supposed to be better if you don't have sensitivity issues and/or are more active.
Lumma Disc
This disc comes in three sizes and three colors. It has a stem or tail for easy removal that can be cut to the length you want. It's made from medical grade silicone.
This is smaller around than the Soft Disc so if that doesn't work for you or you can't get a proper fit, this disc might be a better option...especially since it comes in 3 sizes.
(You guys! I got so excited during my research of all the new products that I decided to order one of these! Can't wait to try it out!)
Cora Disc
Another disc option that is made of medical grade silicone. Compared to the Lumma Disc, the Cora Disc is a bit larger around (only comes in one size). While it does not have a stem for removal, it does have an indentation or finger hook area for easier removal.
Cloth Menstrual Pads
Of course there are a lot of great cloth pads on the market as well. There's not one particular brand I've found that I love (actually, I've used some cut up newborn size organic cotton prefold diapers for years, lol!). I did recently buy some cute cloth pads for my daughter from Etsy and got a few for myself as well. They have a cotton knit top which has been the most comfortable I've found for me personally and feels much cleaner. Many have a PUL waterproof backing for which according to my research is a safe option...especially since it's not on your skin.
About Period Panties
I have not personally tried period panties and am honestly not really interested in them as it seems like it would be a pain to have to totally undress with each change. But I did do a little digging to see what others think and discovered that many brands, including Thinx, have unsafe levels of chemicals that are endocrine-disruptors...so I'm thinking these are a no-go for me. There are a few brands that tested safe, according to this article, so if it's something that sounds appealing to you, stick with those.
Where to Buy Sustainable, Non-Toxic Period Products
While there are many more options available in stores no than there used to be, for the best fit, I'd highly recommend researching and buying your disc or cup online. The store options are limited and you're less likely to be able to find the firmness and size you need which will mean wasted money and possible discouragement from trying a cup or disc again. I've been there. It's frustrating.
I personally love to do a lot of research before buying any product, but even if you don't usually do a lot of research, this is one product that is worth taking the time to research before buying. There are a lot of variables and every body is different, so even basing your decision on reviews could lead you astray.
How to Choose the Right Size Menstrual Cup or Disc
While some cups and discs categorize sizing based on if you've had a vaginal birth or not, that's not really the best way to figure out which one will work for you. Best to consider cervix height, pelvic floor tone, size of your body frame, and amount of flow (note: always choose fit over capacity) when deciding what to get. Many manufacturer's are more savvy to this now, but some still only have a "haven't birthed" and "have birthed" sizing guide. From personal experience, this could definitely lead you to buy the wrong size if you don't also consider all of those other factors.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Menstrual Products
Back when I was looking originally there was basically just the Diva Cup on the market, which is one of the biggest/longest cups available today, and isn't the most comfortable option for most women. I've had mine for several years and while it has been fine for the most part and has held up, it definitely isn't comfortable for me anymore (plus I'm having leakage issues which means it's not a great fit) after several births, so I'm trying other options (I'll keep you posted).
I'll admit I was pleasantly surprised (and slightly overwhelmed) at all of the options available today. Hopefully with all of these sizes and materials to choose from now, there will be no need to go back to toxic menstrual products. Ever.
Note: For educational purposes only. Not to take the place of or be taken as medical advice.
*This post may contain affiliate links to some or all of the products listed. While it will not change your price, I may receive compensation if you choose to purchase through my links. Thank you for your support.
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